Spa Menu

We are pleased to announce that we now carry NovaLash Eyelash Extensions including the new American Volume line! NovaLashes award-winning, long-lasting, medical-grade lash extension adhesives are available in loads of styles. Stop in and try them.

SPA TREATMENTS

Massage & Body Care

Classic Swedish massage techniques come together to create the ultimate experience of relaxation. This combination of gentle flowing strokes and tissue release help you achieve a mind/body balance, leaving you refreshed and relaxed. Light to medium pressure.

EXPRESS MASSAGE | REGULAR: 25 MINUTES $70 | MIDWEEK: $60

Let your body de-stress with the sought after Eastern tradition of Thai. The body is moved and stretched, easing tension, releasing stiff muscles and increasing circulation and energy. Comfortable clothing required.

Soon to be mommies need pampering too. A light, gentle massage concentrating on back, neck and shoulders, and also targets swollen, tired feet. Not recommended during 1st trimester or with high-risk pregnancies. Light to medium pressure.

Designed specifically for guests that are actively undergoing cancer treatment. Experience gentle care with the lightest of touch with our Oncology trained massage therapists. Allow us to accommodate any special Oncology related needs to ensure your comfort.

-ORGANIC BENEFITS AND TREATMENTS -

Healthy skin is a reflection of what you feed your body, inside and out.

Choosing organic ingredients ensures that there are no harsh chemicals added.

This luxurious organic treatment is head to toe bliss! This treatment employs stone crop, an exotic succulent that dramatically increases skin’s moisture content, soothes skin irritations and delivers antioxidant benefits. Sensitive skin is calmed, oily skin is normalized. A gel wash is massaged into the back, followed by a warm body masque which is applied to the body with gentle strokes. As the masque works to detoxify and renew, a face wash and masque is applied and a cooling face massage is performed. Relax with a scalp and neck massage as the body wrap melts away muscle tension with a rhythmic torrent of the Vichy shower. Both sides of body the are then thoroughly exfoliated using a pear and poppy seed polish, and hydrating moisturizer is applied during a light Swedish massage. . (not recommended for those with nut allergies)

An ultra-refining scrub that will buff your skin to perfection. Great for all skin types, this scrub employs raw sugar granules and coconut oil infusion to impart deep hydration and nutrition. Known for its ancient healing properties, coconut contains high levels of antioxidants and hydrators to restore your skin, leaving it soft and supple. A luxurious apricot oil is applied after the scrub, sealing in long-lasting hydration and delivering a regenerating cocktail of vitamins to the skin.

- AROMATHERAPY INFUSED BENEFITS AND TREATMENTS -

Aromatherapy is the use of selected fragrant substances in lotions and inhalants in an effort to affect mood and promote health.

Relax with this full-body luxurious massage, which incorporates a customized blend of essential oils. It also includes a delightful foot massage and a unique neck unwinding treatment that will carry you away to ultimate relaxation. Light to medium pressure.

Allow yourself to be enveloped by essential oil blends that will assist in reaching the deepest state of relaxation. Unwind with hot stones and a magnesium infused compress that will relieve muscle tension and provide relief from fatigue. Wintergreen and Arnica salve will be used throughout the service, which allows for muscle relief and respiratory ease, as well as easing inflammation and soreness. Drift away in a warm linen wrap infused with magnesium while your therapist provides a soothing neck and scalp massage. Enjoy a refreshing face massage using our unique cold facial globes.

A customized blend of essential oils is massaged into the body, softening and relaxing the muscles and tissues. A layer of warm magnesium soaked towels is wrapped around the body to allow for the ultimate in relaxation. The cocoon-like state allows the body to produce heat, opening the pores and allow the essential oils to enter the system and relax the body. A soothing scalp and face massage is performed while in the wrap, allowing you to completely unwind.

- NORTHERN NATURE BENEFITS AND TREATMENTS -

Drift away into the beauty of our turquoise waters and indulge your senses in the gorgeous abundance that Northern Michigan’s natural elements offer. We are combining the finest botanicals with locally harvested ingredients that will invoke your senses and deeply relax your body, while offering you unparalleled healing benefits.

Organic wild sage and lavender make this blend purifying and calming. Its light herbal bouquet recalls the purity of Northern Michigan air and promotes healing and relaxation.

Supercritical CO2 extract of Arnica flower makes this the first choice for muscle and joint discomfort targeting aches and pains from soft tissue damage.

Indulge your senses and experience this Northern Michigan inspired body scrub. Immerse in the purifying herbal scents of turquoise sage. Sage leaf oil is known to improve blood circulation and stimulate cell renewal. This herb is rich in vitamin A and calcium, which play a major role in daily cell regeneration. End with a luxurious application of turquoise sage body butter.

Enjoy a masque of purely moisturizing and soothing locally harvested raw organic honey that will be applied to the body. As you are wrapped, enjoy a refreshing facial, scalp and foot massage, as the honey does the work and opens the pores. After opening the wrap, a scrub with turquoise sage fossilized salt is applied. Once the scrub is washed away we massage the turquoise sage body butter into skin for the ultimate rehydration, leaving your skin feeling soft and luminous. (not recommended for those with bee or honey allergies)

Start this experience with a body scrub infused with herbal scents of turquoise sage, leaving your skin soft and glowing. As you indulge in this sensory journey, you will find yourself drifting into a deep state of relaxation. End this luxurious treatment with a relaxation massage.

-WOODLAND WELLNESS BENEFITS AND TREATMENTS -

A mélange of forest woods and resins wrapped around uplifting citrus notes, the Tree of Life scent recreates the tradition of “taking in the forest air for health.“ Increased immune function and reduced stress levels are just some of the recorded health benefits that taking in the forest air can bring. Tree of Life oil is anti-rheumatic, antiviral and stimulating to the immune system. (Avoid during pregnancy)

A layer of warm infused towels soaked in our signature Tree of Life scent, is wrapped around the body. This cocoon like state allows the body to produce heat, open the pores and lets the essential oils into the system. A soothing scalp and face massage is performed while in the wrap. This luxurious treatment ends with a relaxation massage. A blend of essential oils infused with citrus notes is massaged into the body, softening and relaxing the muscles and tissues.

A clay masque is applied to the body. Warm towels are wrapped around the body as you relax under the rhythmic rinse of the Vichy shower. While wrapped, a scalp and face massage using our unique and refreshing facial globes is performed. After opening the wrap, a full body scrub with the Tree of Life fossilized salt scrub is applied and washed away with the Vichy shower. A full body massage (choose between light/medium or deep pressure) with the Tree of Life oil ends this blissful treatment. You will drift away as a fragrant mist is sprayed to open circulation.

The essential oils used in this body exfoliation treatment give homage to the age-old tradition of taking in the fresh forest air for its healing benefits. The Tree of Life blend is accented by uplifting notes of citrus, as this unique scrub is applied to the body, followed by a rhythmic Vichy shower rinse. It ends with a fragrant application of body butter, leaving you with supple, radiant, hydrated skin.

Regenerating Facial Massage $20Warm facial towels are applied to soften the skin. Followed by an organic facial serum massaged into the skin and ending with a de-puffing cold massage using our facial globes. As you drift into relaxation, a refreshing toner is applied, leaving your feeling and looking hydrated.

Back Glow $15Enjoy warm towels to start, along with a luxurious application of Olive and Bee Balm all natural scrub, that will leave the back feeling soft and luminous.

Warm Nourishing Scalp Treatment $15A warm tonic infused with essential oils will nourish the scalp and delight the senses, while drifting away with a warm eye mask, for the ultimate in relaxation.

Foot Treatment $10Enhance your foot massage with an invigorating application of rich shea butter along with the warmth and relaxation of heated booties, to seal in and moisturize the feet.

Facials

Indulge your senses and experience the beauty and power of Eminence Organic skin care. Our customized treatment will stimulate natural regeneration of collagen, detoxify pores, balance oil production, and reduce appearance of fine lines. Vital nutrients will restore luster leaving you with a brighter and more youthful glow. Detailed skin analysis will ensure that you receive a treatment best suited for you with optimized results and recommendations for your personal routine.

Refresh, maintain and enhance skin quality while promoting ecological harmony with Eminence Organic Biodynamic collection. Specialized farming that is internationally rated and monitored delivers quality ingredients that place healthy skin care front and center. Results driven products with the strength and purity of a raw food diet, will leave your skin soft and hydrated. Enhance your experience with one of our select targeted treatments to customize this service just for you and your skin.

Just a little time investment for a lot of glow. This deep cleansing mini facial is the perfect way to give your skin a dose of healing hydration. Now you can achieve that fresh-faced aura on your lunch break!

Created specifically for the male complexion, this facial treatment will refresh, nourish and relax, while restoring the skin to the state of comfort and strength. A cooling gel mask relieves sensitivities caused by razor burn, sun exposure and environmental stress. A relaxing neck, shoulder and scalp massage follows.

This deep-cleansing facial washes away impurities, while exfoliating dead skin. Extracts of cucumber and sage help soothe and moisturize oily skin. Vitamin E and C aid in the fight against harsh environmental elements and their effects on the skin. This facial provides a positive effect in fighting acne.

Pear & Poppy Microderm Polisher $15

* Treatment enhancements may only be added to 50 or 80 minute services.

Nail Care

Organic Coconut and Apricot Nail Care

Using our organic made oils and lotions with delightful hints of coconut and apricot, enjoy an aromatic soak followed by a relaxing hand and arm massage or foot and leg massage. An ultra-refining scrub that will buff your skin to perfection. Great for all skin types, this scrub employs raw sugar granules and coconut oil infusion to impart deep hydration and nutrition. Known for its ancient healing properties, coconut contains high levels of antioxidants and hydrators to restore your skin, leaving it soft and supple. Luxurious apricot oil is applied after the scrub, sealing in long-lasting hydration and delivering a regenerating cocktail of vitamins to the skin. Your hands and feet are nourished and moisturized, and your nails perfectly polished.

Manicure | 50 minutes $55 Pedicure | 50 minutes $65

Northern Serenity Nail Care

Our customized manicure and pedicure will relax and refresh you. Melt your stress away with a soak for your fingers or toes. A mélange of forest woods and resins wrapped around uplifting citrus notes, the Tree of Life scent recreates the tradition of taking in the forest air for health. Reduced stress levels are just some of the health benefits that taking in the forest air can bring. A stress relieving scrub is applied, followed by a hand and arm massage or foot and leg massage and choice of nail color. Manicure | 50 minutes $50 Pedicure | 50 minutes $60 Manicure & Pedicure Combo | 100 minutes $95

SPA ETIQUETTE

RESERVATIONS

Please be sure to make your spa appointments at your earliest convenience so that we are able to assure you a time that best fits your schedule.

GRATUITIES

An adjustable 20% gratuity is added to all spa services for your convenience.

ARRIVAL TIME

Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. This allows for change into spa attire and time to unwind in our relaxation area.

ATTIRE

A robe and slippers will be provided for your visit. For any of our wet treatments, a swimsuit is recommended for your comfort or a disposable swimsuit will be provided upon request. For our Thai Bodywork service, please wear loose fitted stretchable clothing.

RECOMMENDATION

After excess alcohol consumption and pro-longed sun exposure, massage and body care services are not recommended.

CHILDREN

Babysitting and childcare services are available and recommended from the Cub House, located directly across from the spa entrance. Please make arrangements in advance.

RUNNING LATE?

Treatments are scheduled on the hour. If you arrive late, your treatment time may be affected to accommodate our next guest. Please call and let us know if you are running late.

CANCELLATION POLICY

The spa requires a 24 hour notice prior to cancellation to avoid being charged the full price of your service.

GENDER REQUEST

We will do our best to accommodate your preference for a male or female therapist. Each of our therapists is highly skilled, certified and trained in each service to ensure satisfaction, privacy and comfort.

MINORS

Children under 16 are welcome to receive spa services if accompanied by a guardian at all times.

LOCATION

Spa Grand Traverse is located on the lower east level of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. There is outside access from the Spa/Club parking lot at the East end of the building for your convenience.

PREGNANCY

Not all spa treatments are recommended during the first trimester or for high risk pregnancies. After that, please seek the advice of your doctor if you are unsure.

The Spa is a Serene Environment | Please respect those around you seeking a relaxing atmosphere. Please turn off cell phones.

Barefoot Magazine

Putting Practical in Practice

For golfers who can hit pure shots like Tiger Woods on the practice tee, but become hackers when they tee the ball up on a golf course, Mark Hill might have just the cure for your game.

Norman Sinclair Photography by Nile Young and Brian Walters (inset)

Instead of spending hours with players pounding balls on a practice range trying to find that elusive stroke, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s veteran PGA head professional and lead instructor, along with his staff, PGA professionals Randy Ernst and Shane Hollandsworth, offer on-course lessons to work with students under real playing conditions.

“When you are on the range and you have a one-on-one and someone’s staring at you hitting golf balls, it’s real easy to get frustrated and tighten up,” Hill says. “Out on the course, they seem to be more relaxed and enjoy it more instead of hitting ball after ball on the range.”

Drawing on his more than 30 years as a golf instructor, mostly in northern Michigan, Hill says golf lessons taught on the practice range don’t necessarily transfer to the course.

“We can create so many shots out on the golf course,” he says. “Try to hit a knockdown shot beneath a tree, hitting shots out of a bunker, or hitting side-hill lies. On the range, you can’t do that.”

Taking it to the Course

Hill had been a Resort golf instructor for four years when he was promoted to the top job in 2015 after his predecessor, Scott Hebert, left. That’s when Hill instituted the on-course lesson option.

Longtime Resort golf member Dale Dorgan, who lives in nearby Elk Rapids, has been taking golf lessons for years. Dorgan was Hill’s first on-course student.

“I frankly think that is the only way to go,” Dorgan says. “You can hit shots on a flat surface and do pretty well, but you get more out of it when you go out there and hit a shot from side-hill lie.”

Brian Walsh, a Michigan transplant to Texas, says on-course instruction has been invaluable for his game and that of his teen son.

“When you are on the course, you see real-life playing situations,” Walsh says.

Besides The Bear, the Resort’s other two courses — The Wolverine and Spruce Run — help ensure that there is always room for Hill and his instructors to find a hole or two for practice sessions.

Keeping it Simple

Hill keeps instruction simple on the course. “I like to key in one swing thought with my students and we work on that,” he says. “When we get that accomplished, we move on.”

On-course lessons range from an hour to playing nine holes with an instructor.

“There is definitely a time for hitting balls on the range and working on a few things,” Hill says. “But we’ve had such positive feedback from everybody we’ve taken out on the golf course about how much more they got out of it.”

Racecation

Turn competing in a race or triathlon into a vacation by staying at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and enjoying all the amenities and attractions the Resort and the area have to offer.

By Cortney Casey Photography by Nile Young

Jumping out of bed before dawn, gearing up, and heading out to run 3.1-26.2 miles probably doesn’t sound much like a vacation.But for diehard runners and other sports competitors, “racecations” are a top choice for an exhilarating trip.

The effort that goes into prepping for a racecation makes the reward that much sweeter for Bethany Marks-Cieslak.

“When I can go on vacation and run a race, it gives me something to train for and prepare for,” says the Lake Orion, Mich., resident. “I also know I will not spend my vacation doing nothing. I feel a sense of accomplishment after the run, but then get to enjoy time with my friends and family post-race.”

Paul Kozlowski of Huntington Woods feels far more motivated during racecations than at home.

“Racing closer to home can be so tedious, since you often have to roll out of your own bed at 4-4:30 a.m. and get on the road,” he says. “For me, it is so much more difficult to get out of my own bed than a hotel bed.

”Krystal Tosch, a runner from Waterford, Mich., also appreciates new scenery on her runs.

“Running races close to home sometimes is monotonous, especially if you run the area frequently,” she says. “I love running in new areas, and it’s a great opportunity to take a weekend and travel with family or friends.”

Kathy Scherrer of Macomb Township, Mich., appreciates seeing new courses, people, and scenery. “I like the balance between being active and still relaxing,” she adds.

The Traverse City area has solid racecation potential, with options ranging from the Bayshore Marathon and Half-Marathon on the Old Mission Peninsula to winery-themed fare like the Harvest Stompede and Vineyard to Bay 25K on the Leelanau Peninsula.

For athletes who prefer wheels, there are plenty of bike races, including the 45 North Barrel Roll at 45 North Vineyard & Winery, The Iceman Cometh, The Short’s Fatbike Series, and Mud, Sweat & Beers.

Various triathlons bring swimming into the mix. The M22 Challenge adds paddling to the running/biking equation. Winter brings perennially favorite ski races including the North American VASA and White Pine Stampede.

“You simply cannot beat the scenery of the Traverse City Triathlon, taking place entirely on Old Mission (Peninsula),” he says. “Michigan Mountain Mayhem is always a blast, since there are 20-30 members of my triathlon club, Infinite Multisport, participating every year.”

Marks-Cieslak is a fan of the Bayshore Half-Marathon, recalling the crisp May morning air at the start, crowd support, and the beautiful views all along the way.

“No one takes it for granted,” she says, “and (everyone) is just so happy to be there.”

Spa Grand Traverse- Always in Season

Special packages offer the best of summer and winter.

By Cymbre Foster

You can have the most amazing spa with the best amenities in the world, but it takes the right staff to create a truly memorable experience.

For a decade, Spa Grand Traverse Director Dawn Olsen has been overseeing the facility’s myriad services and “outstanding staff.” The collective mission is for guests to feel welcome and taken care of — like family.

“For us, the biggest factor is guest satisfaction,” Olsen says. “To that end, we have the most down-to-earth and nicest staff you would ever want to meet”

Hot Stu­ff

Light and refreshing scents are incorporated in summer packages to guarantee that guests leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and renewed.

Last summer, that meant bergamot. The refreshing, almost citrusy, scent was incorporated into a variety of treatments, from facials to massages.

One of Olsen’s favorite packages is Summer Beauty, four-and-a-half hours of pure pampering that in-cludes a full set of NovaLash eye-lash extensions, shampoo/blow dry, makeup, and an express manicure — at a savings of $50.

Many packages include a sea-sonal cocktail, too — at any time of the year.

Cold Comfort

“Winter means a lot of body wraps, hot stones — anything that is more warming,” Olsen says. “We’ve used a lot of peppermint as well as tea tree and lavender oils.”

A manicure or pedicure will include a hot neck wrap infused with lavender oil. Shea, cocoa, and mango butters soften and soothe dry skin.

The Indulgent Escape Sweet Serenity package is four hours of pure indulgence including a Winter Warm-up Wrap, a cinnamon-infused wrap followed by a soothing cinnamon massage with antioxidant-rich olive, fruit, and grapeseed oils; Milk and Honey Warming Facial; and a Chocolate Meltdown Manicure/Pedicure Combo.

Regular spa-goer Dana Matson can attest to that.

“There’s like a sisterhood there,” says Matson, who makes monthly Spa visits to receive services that might include massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. “They not only care about each other, but their clients as well.”

She and a girlfriend recently spent a day at the spa together and left feeling pampered and relaxed. Matson also purchased services for her parents as a Christmas gift.

“My dad loved his pedicure, and they both raved about the service,” she says. The spa uses natural products that focus on de-stressing, detoxifying, and rebalancing body, mind, and spirit.

Many guests like services to be bundled into cost-saving packages that pamper them from head to toe. In addition to standard options, Olsen has created offerings that change with the seasons.